Towards the end of the night dive, we
swam to a sandy area at about 6m (20 ft). The group all switched off their
lights and waited to see if we could experience what the locals call the
‘string of pearls’. We were told that the conditions have to be perfect – no
moonlight, no wind and as black as the darkest night. We switched off all our
lights and were engulfed in total darkness. I had to remind myself that I was
underwater, for it was easy to forget. The reef was still and the only reason I
knew the group were still there was because of the soft sound of bubbles. I
clasped Tom's hand and squeezed it hoping to convey my excitement at this experience.
And then it begun. Sparks flew from
my fingertips as the micro-organisms burst into life. Think ET’s fingertip –
Mother nature came alive! It was as if we were radioactive….. everytime we
moved we were shooting glowing sand! The bioluminescence twinkled all around
around us like stars in the night sky. I had to pinch myself to ensure I wasn’t
dreaming.
The whole experience just got more
and more surreal. As if the first bioluminescence cried out to the rest that it
was safe to come out and play – the strings started appearing first some then more then hundreds. Like fairy lights in a
vertical string, sequentially lighting up and then going out again – a crazy
light show was underway.
It was one of the best
moments of my life. We knelt there mesmerised, spellbound and in disbelief.
We then prepared for take off. We swam in the dark, through the string of pearls for over 20-30 minutes. IT WAS AWESOME. The best way I can desribe it was I felt like I was in space – flying through the constellations in the galaxy. It really is hard to come up with words to describe it. I looked on the internet and found some pictures that people admit they have made in photoshop to try and show what it looks like. Although they give you a hint of an idea thy to picture this times about 100 or 200 and they aren't all the same size, shape, length etc. They are every where.
That is AMAZING! It's too bad it can't be photographed. It sounds incredible and I am so happy you guys got to do it. You do always have an adventure while you are there:-) I'm glad the adventure has become less power oriented and more ocean life centered. Love you guys! Sorry the bugs love you so much mom. Not fun. They love me too so you have my sympathy. I have that picture of my legs covered in toothpaste spots from my one trip out there:-)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so unbelievably incredible!! What an amazing experience to have. How many people do you think have been able to see that or do something like that! I find it fascinating and astounding to think of all the creations the Lord made for us that we don't even realize or get to experience that are breathtaking and awe inspiring even down to tiny organisms! How wonderful to get to do something so unforgettable!!
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